Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1839, Joseph Durphy, [BLANK]

SERVICE
NUMBER
Durphy Joseph or Durfey Experience
W. 1839 B.L.Wt 6415-160-55
CONTENTS

52,339.
Mar. 3, 1838.
Apr. 9.
Experience Durfey, widow of Joseph Durfey, Priv. V Regt.
Capt.
Col. Sept Long
Entd. 21st Sept 1804
Dis. 10th March 1805
Revolutionary War.
Pensioner. 1778
On file
born 16 Oct 1735
died 150 1795
Ref. 12
J. Winter. Stafford. Conn.
Vol. D. 152.

DURPHY, JOSEPH (CONN.) W-1839

Connecticut Pension Due to of Joseph Durfy . ct. # 328 who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private & Sergeant Durphy or Durfey .
Hartford Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 139 Dollars 16
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 50 day of June 186 and sent to S. A. Tift
Springfield Mass.
on Roll of Pensioners under act July 1848, Page 192 Vol. 26
J Smith

DURPHY, JOSEPH (CONN.) W-1839
John Goodwill
John Goodwill 77 years Died July 29 1810 Joseph Durphy Died August 29 1813 at age 84 years Hannah Goodwill Died July 21 1829 In the 91 year of her age

This may certify that I Eli Clark of Wilbraham in the state of Massachusetts baptist minister in gos 9 Standing did marry Joseph Durphy of Ellington Conn. since To express goodwill & Wilbraham Mass on the twenty Ninth of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two according to law in the presence Eli Clark of us Moses Clark Mary Clark
THE NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST,
TRANSLATED OUT OF
THE ORIGINAL GREEK;
AND WITH
THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS DILIGENTLY
COMPARED AND REVISED.
DURPHY, JOSEPH (CONN.) W-1839
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

13078
"
13078.
Experience Durfee
Con
Act Y. June 38 2
1777 8 mo pri Col Ed
1778 2 mo 15 d Sergt Col Vth reg

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress of the 7 July 1838 & 23 d August 1842
State of Connecticut
Stafford Probate District
On this 29 th day of August A D 1846 personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of Probate for the District of Stafford aforesaid Esperance Dury a resident of Stafford in said District aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7-1838 and the 23 d of August 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joseph Dury formerly Joseph Dury & now deceased late of Ellington in Tolland County State of Connecticut being form- erly a part of the town of East Windsor who was a sergeant in the fourth company of the Reg t commanded by Col Abadiah Johnson being a Reg t of Connecticut Militia and served in Rhode Island during the campaign of 1778 supposed to be for the term of nine months. That he served also eight months the year 1777 in the revolutionary war by indictment in a company commanded by Elijah Robinson Capt n in a Connecticut Reg t commanded by Col Ely as a private She also declares that she was married to the said Joseph Dury on the 29 th day of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninety two that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Dury died on the 29 day of August 1813. that she was not married to him prior  thereas to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (1802) at the time above stated and she has since remained and now is a widow
Esperance Dury
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Rufus G Pinney Judge of Probate District of Stafford
This may certify that Rufus G Pinney is Judge of Probate for the District of Stafford and the above is his signature
Test David Parkers Clerk

The following entry is found in the record book of "Intention of marriage, in the town of Wilbraham Hampshire Co Mass.
"Joseph Durfy of Ellington State of Connecticut and Experience Goodwell of this town intend marriage" (Entered Octr 15, 1814)
No record is found of marriage or intention of marriage between Experience Goodwell and Osborn, or to any other person, except to Joseph Durfy, showing intention of marriage only,
Wilbraham Jan 23 d 1877.
E. B. Gates Town Clerk. { J. G. Wilbraham

State of Connecticut Tolland County ss. Stafford December 8, 1846 Personally appeared before me in Stafford County of Tolland and State of Connecticut Roxanna Davis of said Stafford and on her Oath testifies that Joseph Sursey of Ellington in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut Married Experience Goodwell my Aunt and they had three children two Daughters and one Son - the oldest Daughters name was Merilla she was born in August and I was born the next April If I should live till the 6 th day of April next I shall be fifty three years of age - The next child died in her infancy. the third was a son his name was John Sursey he enlisted into the United States service about fifteen years ago since which time I have not heard from him - I used to visit my Uncle Surseys family often when we were children together
Roxanna Davis
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8 th day of December 1846 and I hereby certify that the said Roxanna Davis sustains a good character and is a credible witness
Anson Spelman Justice of the Peace

Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. March 15 th , 1875.
70y550
Sir;
In reply to your inquiry of the 24 th inst., relative to the pension of Experience Durfey, Clf. No. 1039, you are informed that a special inquiry in her case has developed the fact that the pensioner remarried one Munford after the soldier's death, and that on or about May 21, 1832 she was again married to Joseph T. Brown at Monson, Mass.
Any evidence in re better that she may desire to present, will be promptly considered.
Very respectfully, H. D. Allen Commissioner.
G. S. Davis Esq. Monson, Mass.

Office of Registrar of Births, Marriages & Deaths, Stafford, Conn. January 26 th , 1877. I hereby certify that it appears from Records in this Office that Experience Brown died at Stafford August 7 th 1875; and the record is in the following words & figures, viz: "Records of Deaths in the Town of Stafford, 1875. Names Experience Brown; Place of Death, Stafford; Time of Death, Month, August; day 7; Age, Years 92; Sex, F; Single, married or Widow, W; Birth Place, Town, Milfordham, State or Country, Mass.; Residence at Death, Stafford; Disease or cause of Death, Old age; Occupation —; Color, W. Name of Parents, —; Physician or Person Certifying, C. B. Newton, Attending Physician."

State of Connecticut } ss Stafford County of Tolland }
On this fourth day of April A one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfive Personally appeared before me a Notary Public within & for the County & State aforesaid Experience Duryee aged Seventy three years a resident of Stafford in the State of Connecticut, who being duly sworn according to Law declare, that she is the Widow of Joseph Duryee who was a Private and Sergeant in the revolutionary War that she now draws a Pension under the Act of July 29 th 1848 for the sum of Thirty nine Dollars and Sixteen cents per annum at the Connecticut Agency for paying Pensions in the City of Hartford, that she now has in her possession a Pension Certificate which I certify is in the words & figures following to wit:
"Department of the Interior"
"Widow's Pension"
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 29 th 1848 "Experience Duryee Widow of Joseph Duryee who was a Private and Sergeant in the Revolutionary War is inscribed on the Pension List at the rate of Thirty nine Dollars and Sixteen cents per annum commencing on the fourth day of March, 1848, and continuing through  for her life, unless she should again marry, in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
"Given at the Department of the Interior"
"This 11 th day of September One thousand eight hundred fifty nine."
J. P. Emory
"Secretary of the Interior"
"Examined and countersigned"
J. L. Edwards
"Commissioner of Pensions"
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3 rd 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
her Experience X Duryee mark
We Anson Spelman and Daniel Davis residents of Stafford in the State of Connecticut upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Experience Duryee in our presence and that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be & that she is now a widow according to our best belief & knowledge.
Anson Spelman Daniel Davis

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to, and subscribed before me on this fourth day of April 1855, and I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person, that the claimant is the person who represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Lina Weston
Notary Public

52,339 Francis Duffey Application for Bounty Skins under the Act Approved March 3, 1855
Filed by L. Minton Stafford March 6, 1855. ct.

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1839
Experience Durfy Oral Joseph Durfy Leah Durfy
Act July 22 1848
Index : Vol. 1 , Page 18
[Arrangement of 1870.]

6415
160 Acres
100

# 328 WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1839 Experience Durfee Widow Joseph Durfee Brgt. Rev. Wal.
Act: July 29. B4B.
Index: Vol. 2, Page 98
10/72 - Anglo - Pen Agt (Do suspens.)
1873. May 21 st Letter to Justin Goodwill & J. Redwick. 1873. Aug. 9 th letter to H. R.H. Parsons Sedgwick, S. Monson. Hamp. Co. Mass. Oct. 21 st 1873. letter to Mrs. Euph. N.H.W. -ience Durfee, Stafford Springs Conn. 1/2. Oct. 21 st 1873. letter to A. Sedgwick Davis Monson Mass. H.H.W. Nov. 15 th 1873. letter to S.A. Tiff - Esqr. Spangfidel Nops. H.H.W. Jan'y. 2-74. Town Clerk at Monson - G.S. Davis 224. Mch 16/71 G.S. Davis Tolpas April 9/75 T.Dipw

As early that night Joseph John D. Linton was seized into my company but they did not know the year 1877 for light weather and snow through the hills in the same manner start of the line and far with a man to transport him the remainder of the day.
Colledge A. D. G. ...
Stallard July 17 1987

when I put into the other paper our Right in Land was supposed to be about fifty acres of meat and poors with them for they gave me a Deed of the whole (Be faithful Be faithful in every particular I have writ to you for it is of no small consequence When you take any witnesses to be sworn let them only know what your business is
DURPHY, JOSEPH (CONN.) W-1839
Joseph Durphy

DURPHY, Joseph (CONN.)
W-1839

328.
Connecticut
Experience Dursey widow of Joseph Dursey who served in the Revolutionary war, as a priv. Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 39 Dollars 16
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Sept. 1819, and sent to
S. A. Pugh Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners in Warrant 27848, Page 73

V
13078
Experience Durfey
Con
Wid. of Elisha Stearns
Oct. 24, '46
at same Nov 28, '46
" same, Dec. 22, '45.
" Hon. A. R. McIlvain March 31. 1849.
Coote:
Please send me statement of payments of pension to Experience Durfey, widow of Joseph Durfey, Hartford Conn. Agency Revolution Act July 29, 1848 original and increase, and of dates as far as practicable. Also please state if you have record of re-marriage. Aug. 14/52. F. E. H.

Payt to Sept 11 60m ...
  March 4 61  1.  10.00    March 4 62  1.  10.00    Sept 4 62  Sept  10.00    Sept 4 63  April  10.00    Sept 4 63  Sept  10.00    March 11 64  March  10.00    Sept 14 64  Sept  10.00    March 10 65  March  10.00    Sept 10 65  Sept  10.00    March 9 66  March  10.00    Sept 10 66  Sept  10.00    March 11 67  March  10.00    Sept 10 67  Sept  10.00    March 11 68  March  10.00    Sept 10 68  Sept  242.74    March 10 69  March  69.58    Sept 10 69  Sept  69.58    March 10 70  March  69.58    Sept 10 70  Sept  69.58    March 10 71  March  344.79    Sept 10 71  Sept  344.79    March 10 72  March  344.79    Sept 10 72  Sept  344.79    March 10 73  March  344.79    Sept 10 73  Sept  344.79    130 1/2 130 1/2  March 10 1860m ... at 3' ... No ...

Gf. 328 - Rev. War
Experience Durfee widow of Joseph
Hartford, Conn. Agency
Date of last payment?
Yeager
Apr 9
ss.
Rec'd to June 4, 1812
due from Aug 2, '12
Branch
Apr 9, 1815
South

Stafford Co April 7
Free
Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington
D. C.
52,339.

No. 52339
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 9, 1855.
Joseph Durfey Rev War
Warrant No 415-160-55
Y. Winter Stafford Conn

Mendon, Mass. April 2. 1875.
My Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose you a Deposition from a person who has been acquainted with the Pensioner ever since the death of Joseph Burfey. This, with the Affidavit on file at your office executed on or about the 10. of September 1873 seems as if ought to be sufficient evidence showing the Pensioner to be the lawful widow of Joseph Burfey.
If anything further is needed please state what it is & in what shape - truely soon
Very respectfully yours
Frederick S. Lane
Justice of the Peace.
P.S. The Pensioner's P.O. address is Mendon Mass.

Wadsworth Johnson Col.

I Rosena Davis of Stafford County of Ireland and State of Connecticut do hereby say that I am eighty one years of age and have been personally acquainted with Experience Duryee during my whole lifetime and that to my best knowledge she has ever remained the lawful widow of Joseph Duryee from his death to the present time. I have an interest in the claim of Experience Duryee for Pension. In presence of Joseph S. Davis Henry B. Davis Rosena X Davis Stafford Conn. April 3 rd 1873.
I hereby certify that Rosena Davis who has subscribed the foregoing deposition made oath to the truth of the same according to her best knowledge & belief before me. Gardner S. Davis Justice of the Peace.

Toysea
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. March 30, 1875.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 26 th inst, relative to the case of Experience Durfey, No. 328, you are informed that any evidence showing that she has remained the widow of Joseph Durfey since his death, will be promptly considered.
Very respectfully,
W. D. Ladd Commissioner.
G. L. Davis Esq. Monson Mass.

Woburn Mass. March 26. 1875
My Dear Sir,
In regard to your of Feb 15 last you are to inform you that the Providence Experiencing was never married to any one by the name of Mumford , nor to any one since the death of Joseph Dyer , excepting Joseph T. Brown to whom you refer. Said marriage with Joseph T. Brown has been proved to be null & void from the fact that the said Brown had a wife living at the time he contracted the marriage with Experiencing from whom he had not been divorced. — None I wish to call your attention to an affidavit on file at your office, dated on or about the 10 th of September 1873, setting forth the illegality of the Providence marriage with Joseph T. Brown . Now if said Affidavit is not sufficient please state just what is necessary, & what for as you

RECEIVED JAN 18 1871
with it, so that you would be pleased to give the possible benefit her Pension again — You can see by this that Mrs. Prudence (so called) is all a humbug — No proof to that effect can be produced — If you could know all the circumstances attending the suspension of her Pension, I think you would grant it immediately, without asking any questions — I am giving my personal attention to this matter — Please reply at your earliest convenience — The Pensioner's P.O. address is Warden Place.
Very respectfully Yours
C. S. Davis. Justice of the Peace.

S.S.D.
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. August 19 th 1872
Suspend payment in the case of Experience Dursey, widow of Joseph Dursey Sergt. Revolutionary War. N o 238, Hartford Conn. Agency, on evidence of re-marriage.
D. Sockey Acting Commissioner
Finance Division
S.D.

704550 Z
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. April 9 th , 1875.
Sir;
In reply to your letter of the 3 rd inst. relative to the pension of Experience Durfey, No. 328, you are informed that a special investigation by an Agent of this Office is deemed necessary, before final action is taken. Such investigation will be had as soon as practicable, and when a decision is reached, the result will be promptly made known.
Very respectfully,
P. H. Bell
Commissioner
Gardner S. Davis Esq.
Morson
Hampden Co Mass.

Wrentham Mass. April 17 1875
My dear Sir - If you deem it necessary to send an Agent here to investigate this matter, please send him along as soon as possible - The Agent can stop at Wrentham & enquire for L. G. Potter, post Select man, or stop at the State Line & any one there will direct him to where I reside - I will carry him any where he may wish to go - The Pensioner lives some 6 or 8 miles from any Rail Road Station - She is so old & superannuated, & deaf as a post, that it is next to an impossibility to make her know any thing - This case has been so long I think it ought to be attended to in preference to young Widows cases -
Very Respectfully
G. A. Davis

New View No 1839 Figs - 328 Exp. Cnel No 19 St. Joseph
10
BERMUDA MAR 23 1891
PRISON FIVE MARCH 23 1891

Comm. of Pensions
My Dear Sir,
I wish to make inquiry in regard to the case of Reuben Lurvey, widow of Joseph Lurvey, whose Pension has been suspended. — At the request of the Selectmen & several others, I have made a thorough investigation of the matter & find no sufficient reason why her Pension should be suspended — It has been alleged that the Pensioner remarried a man by the name of Joseph T. Brown of Wrentham, Mass. — I also understand that an Affidavit has been forwarded to the Dept. at Washington setting forth the illegality of said marriage with Joseph T. Brown — None of said Affidavit contains sufficient proof to satisfy you, please state just what you demand & in what form you want it so that you will be pleased to get said Pensioner her Pension again.
J.

The last several shows with the ... party. The ... old and experimental ... of the year. I should ... feel ... could take pride in having ... in the roll ... one whose ... in the defense of our country ... I have had many years experience in preparing ... documents ... I don't know of any who are more honorably & legally entitled to a Pension than Experience ... Please take this communication under consideration & reply to me at once. My P.O. address is Newton, Mass. — For reference I refer you to Dr. J. H. McTear, of ... Boston. Truly yours, G. W. Davis
March 2, 1872

Atkinson, Mass. May 9. 1873.
My Dear Sir;
I am requested to inquire of you the reason why the Pension of Experience Dufy of Stafford Conn. was suspended. — Mrs. Dufy received word from the Agency at Hartford Conn. that her Pension was suspended the 20 th of last Aug. — Also, that an Agent had been sent from Washington to Stafford to investigate the matter — If such are the facts, where did said Agent get his information sufficient to cause the suspension of a Pension? He did not call on the Pensioner, nor the Selectmen of the Town, or any one that she can hear of — There seems to be a screw loose somewhere. — I will here state a few facts to you which you can rely upon — Mrs. Dufy

has an illegitimate Son who has been a source of annoyance to her for a long time. She is intemperate & has tried various ways to make her give him her Pension money at last threatened to stop it, if she did not give it up — I hope this is the way the suspension came brought about.
Mrs. Durfee is so old & superannuated that it is impossible to get any information from her in regard to the proof in her case & the witnesses that testified are now dead — Her case was once forwarded to the satisfaction of the Government, it is not that sufficient — Does the Department suspend Pensions on the testimony of uncorro- borated & those bitter enemies of the Pensioner.
Mrs. Durfee is in great need of the Pension for her support — Please let me hear from you soon in regard to this matter.
Respectfully yours.
Direct to J. Sedgwick S. W. Monson Mass.

Camden, Camden Co. New Jersey.
Dec. 15. 1873.
J. H. Baker. Commissioner, Repeatably. I, Justin Goodwill, received your letter, which bears the date of Dec. 9-1873. In reply to the same, I say thus: I believe that Joseph Osborn and Experience Goodwill were married about the year 1801. and said — Osborn went away to a place not known to his wife, & neglected her. — in a few years. Mrs. Experience was the wife of Joseph Durby the — Revolutionary soldier: after the — decease of the soldier, She was the wife of a Mr. Mumford; and — on or, about May 21. 1832. I — Justin Goodwill saw Experience the widow of said Mumford, united in marriage with Joseph T. Brown by Jonathan Torrey Justice of the peace. at Monson Hampden Co. Massachusetts.

My Aunt Experience (called Speed), was Born November 5 th 1782. I 91 years of age. I am told she was born in South Wilbraham, Hampshire Co. Nathan the writer of this letter was. Also born in South Wilbraham Mass. May 15 th 1796. I left Mass. on the 1 st day of June 1871 and went to Camden No. 330 Nickle Street Camden Co. State of New Jersey. Justin Goodwill.
to J. H. Fuller Commissioner.

Special Atten- tion is called to this - Notice the state - must made in 1842 & 1843 Marmore & Osborn

Department of the Interior.
PENSION OFFICE.
704 SFS
Washington, D.C. Dec. 18 th , 1873
Sir;
I transmit herewith the papers in the case of Ex- perience Durfey, No. 1839, for the purpose of obtain- ing the affidavit of Justin Goodwill of Camden New Jersey, embodying all the material points within his knowledge, after which you will re- turn all the papers to this office.
Very respectfully,
M c Dabner Commissioner.
M c Jenkins Esq. Philada. Pa.

Handwritten text in Arabic script, including the words "الرسالة" (the letter) and "من" (from).

Department of the Interior.
PENSION OFFICE.
TDY Sfd
Washington D.C. Jan'y 2 nd , 1874.
Sir;
I will thank you to furnish this Office with a certified copy of the record, showing the marriage of Experience Durfey or Mumford to Joseph T. Brown, by Jonathan Torrey, Justice of the Peace, at Monson, Hampden Co. Mass. on or about May 21, 1832.
This for use in the claim of Experience Durfey for a Pension, No. 328.
Very respectfully,
M c Dather Commissioner.
Town Clerk, Monson, Hampden Co. Mass.

Monson Mass. January 6 th 1874
J. H. Lutter
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir
I have examined the records of the town of Monson and do not find the marriage of Experience Dunfee or Munford and Joseph Brown on record here. I find they were published here as follows Vizt Published an intention of marriage between Joseph T. Brown of Springfield and Experience Munford of Monson. March 22 d 1832.
I hereby certify that the above publication is a true copy from the records of the town of Monson made this 6 th day of January 1874
J. H. Lutter Town Clerk of Monson

Letter to E. Sedgwick of S. Morton, Mass. of May 21/73 is considered sufficient to render a reply to this without unnecessary.
R.H.W. SSD
May 21/73
Some letters are from A. Sedgwick to some friend A. Sedgwick - ruled one page.
SCANT

AGENT FOR Manufacturers Ins. Co.....Boston. Assets $1,500,000. Royal Ins. Co.....Liverpool. Assets $6,000,000. Worcester Mutual Fire Ins. Co.....Worcester. Assets $240,000. State Mutual Life Ins. Co.....Worcester. Assets $1,000,000. War Claims Collected and Cashed. $40
L. A. TIFFT, Claim and Insurance Agent,
OVER CHICOPEE NATIONAL BANK,
Springfield, Mass., May 13. 1873
Hon J. H. Baker Comm r of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Mrs Experience Durfee Revolutionary Pensioner under Certif 328. / received under act of Febry 1867. Widow of Joseph Durfee a Serjt in 4 th Co Conn Militia, Col Johnson. is informed by the Pen Agt at Hartford, Ct., that her pension was suspended last August. She wishes to know why?
Very Resp. &
Your Obs Servt, L. A. Tifft for Claimant.

Increase
Brief in the Case of
Experience Dufey Widow of
328
Joseph a priv & Serg. Revolutionary War.
Hartford, Mand
County and State of
Connecticut
Act July 29. 1848 & Act Feb 18. 1867.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Pensioned under Act July 29. 1848 at $39.16 pr Annum. Certificate returned -
The claim increased pension under the Act Feb 18. 1867. Identity proved -
The original Case is not found in the files -
Admitted June 26. 1868. to a pension at $139.16 pr Annum Commencing Sep 30. 1865. deducting all payments since -
Name and residence of Agent.
L A Dift Springfield Mass
W B Wash Examining Clerk.

So. Monson Mass. Oct. 17. 1872.
My Dear Sir;
In regard to the enclosed letter which you sent me, I can inform you that no cognizance of this case was ever taken by any court, & I herewith enclose you an affidavit of two persons setting forth the facts of the case, which I trust will be satisfactory evidence to restore Mrs. Durfys Pension to her — Please inform me soon of the result.
Respectfully yours
A. Sedgwick.

J.S. 202420.
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. Aug 9 th 1873.
Sir.
In reply to your inquiry of Aug. 6. 1873. in regard to the claim of Experience Dinsley widow of Joseph, Certificate No. 1839. (Revolutionary claim) you are hereby informed that the claimant should file the Certificate of a court of competent jurisdiction showing that her marriage with Mr. Brown has been pronounced null and void ab initio .
Very respectfully A. Dockery Acting Commissioner
A. Sedgwick Esqr. South Monson Hampden Co. Mass.

C. J. B. 2nd H.W. Z
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. October 21 st . 1873.
Sir:
In reply to your inquiry of October 17 th , 1873, in regard to the case of Experience Durfy widow of Joseph, Certificate No. 1839, (Revolutionary claim) you are hereby informed that no power of attorney in your favor appears on file with the claim, you cannot therefore be furnished with further information in regard to the status of the case.
Very respectfully G. Dockery Acting Commissioner
A. Sedgwick, Esqr. South Monson, Hampden Co. Mass.

Springfield, Mass Nov 6. 1873.
Respectfully returned. Mr Sedgwick has turned this letter over to me and informs me that the affi- davit of two sisters of Mr Brown, to whom it is alleged that Mrs Duffee was married, has been forwarded. Showing that Mr Brown had a wife living at the time he was married to Mrs Duffee thus voiding the marriage with her. This first wife was living at the time with one of the sisters who make the affidavit. The towns of Mansfield & Shafford are in a muddle over the matter for the purpose of fixing the pauper residence of Mr & Mrs D. She is almost five
score years old - one of the few remaining links connecting us with the patriotic past and it seems almost sacrilege to be "harrowing up her soul" with this un- fortunate and illegal marriage.
L. A. Tiff Atty for claimant

Dear,
Experience Duryea
E. S. G.

S.S. N. 7/24/73. Z
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington D.C. May 21 st 1873.
Sir:
In reply to your inquiry of May 9 th 1873. in regard to the claim of Experience Surfer, widow of Joseph. Certificate No. 1839. Resolution, you are hereby informed that payment of the pension was suspended on the charge that the claimant remarried to a Mr. Brown, several years since. The case will be investigated as soon as practicable, and the claimant notified of the result.
Very respectfully, W. D. Baker Commissioner.
G. Sedgwick Esq. South Monson. Hampden Co. Mass.

Springfield, Mass Aug. 6. 1873.
Sir: The old lady pen- named within sioner, would like to have her case passed upon as soon as possible. The marriage alluded to is no secret, but was well known to the person, whom the pensioner believes has made the complaint, and to have been illegal by reason of the fact that at the time of her marriage to Brown he had a wife from whom he had not been divorced. If evi- dence is required on that point she will furnish it. The no of her Certificate is 329. Resp. &
L. A. Ziffer for John Russell. Houghton Baker Com. of Pensions.

Experience Danfu- on Hartford Conn. Roll —
Experience on

U. S. Pension Agency,
DANIEL C. RODMAN, Agent.
Hartford, Conn. April 11 1872.
Sir.
The enclosed communication concerning Experience Duffer - Certif. No. - (Act 29 July 1848) on the rolls of this Agency, are forwarded for your consideration.
The "Widows Bill" referred to does not draw at this Agency I believe.
Samuel H. Anard, the writer of this enclosed, is a pensioner on the rolls of this Agency.
Respectfully
V. B. Chamberlain
for Pension Agent.
Hon J. H. Baker
Comm te of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. August 17 th 1872.
Sir:
In the matter of the investigation of the case of "Experience Durfey, widow of Jos. Durfey, Sergt Revolutionary War," pensioned under Act of July 29, 1848, with which I was charged by your order of the 5 th ultimo, I have the honor to report.
Having ascertained that a woman known in the community in which she resided in Stafford township, Tolland Co., Conn., as Experience Brown had been in receipt of vouchers at the Staffordville, Conn., or Nonson, Mass. Post Office, and not at the nearest Post Office, Stafford Springs, Conn., in the name of Experience Durfey, I concluded she must be the party to whom the suspicion of re-marriage attached, and who was supposed to have been unlawfully drawing pension, the law under

2 which her pension had been allowed, having prescribed that it should continue only during her widowhood.
A number of the residents of the neighborhood, several miles apart, agreed that Mrs. Brown had been known by several names, and that she had the reputation of having lived with several different men, but very few were to be found who could remember her marriage to or living with any of the men rumored to have been her husbands.
The only person who could give any satisfactory information concerning the matter was Mr. Ziba Ellis, who stated that said Mrs. Brown alias Durfey had been living at intervals with one Gardner S. Davis, whose Post Office is at Nelson Hampden Co., Mass., that he had assisted

her from time to time in drawing her pension, 3 and that it was believed he reaped the major portion of the benefit therefrom.
Mr Ellis, who is one of the selectmen of the town of Stafford, also stated that application to him officially for town aid to Mrs Brown had induced his special attention to her case by means of which he ascertained that she had been drawing a pension as the widow of one Joseph Durfey, at one time a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that she had a nephew, who knew of one of her marriages at least since the death of said Durfey.
Said nephew, Justin Goodwill, resides at 330 Neickle st., Camden, N. J., and upon communicating with him, Mr Ellis alleges, he received a reply, in substance, as follows:
Mrs Brown's maiden name was Goodwill; she was born in Oct. 1782; lived with Durfey (of whose marriage to her Justin Goodwill has

4 no knowledge), Osborn and Keumford, was legally married to Osborn, who never lived with her; subsequently lived with Keumford, and after her separation from Keumford, was married in the presence of said Justin Goodwill, by Jonathan Torrey, Justice of the Peace, and father in law of said Justin Goodwill, in the south-west corner of Monson, Hampden County, Mass., some thirty-five years ago, and became the widow of said Brown some four or five years ago, having lived with him almost continually for nearly thirty years.
Mr. Ellis said: he also knew of his own personal knowledge of her living with Brown, but had not known as to their marriage, until informed by Mr. Goodwill.

This was all the information I could obtain upon the subject in that region, and being assured by all with whom I had the opportunity of communicating that no money could be recovered, believing that the Government would not desire to institute proceedings against Mrs Brown alias Durfey, would regard the information as sufficient to suspend payment of pension, and could at any time procure the affidavit of Mr Goodwill, in the premises, I deemed it best to spend no more time in investigation of the matter.
The rolls at Hartford show no record of order to suspend, and that the pensioner was paid to June 4. 1872. The report of the Finance Division as to the money drawn by her is with the case accompanying.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Your Obedient Servant.
Hon. J. S. Baker. Commissioner of Pensions.

Before amnesty - has got to stand auditing + audit whether any the parties, with whom Cl... said to have lived, have been witnesses in any proceedings etc.
Oct. 21/72
W.W.W.
Experience Durfey, widow of Joseph Durfey, Ctf. No. 238
Revolutionary War. Report of Special Agent J. E. Foster.
Of investigation made per order, Aug 5 th 1872.
Suspend payment and correspond with Justin Goodwill, 330 Middle St. Camden N. J. Obtain his Aff h showing remarriage of petitioner. Robert Linton Actg Chief S. S. D. Aug 19. 1872

OFFICE OF S. H. Seward,
Attorney at Law,
Stafford Springs, Conn., Mar 19 th 1872
Col D. C. Rodman
Dear Sir. I deem it my duty to "communicate" to You facts which I learned from one of our select men. Mrs Experience Brown the reputed widow of one Jo Brown applied to the town for help. The select men in investigating her circumstances found that one Gardner Davis a "justice" had drawn a pension for her for some time giving her $12. per year, and returning the balance when she did not complain of from the fact that the whole thing was illegal, the husband to whom she was married being still living and the man on whose account the pension was drawn being one who lived with her in adultery. The case of another woman whose pension he obtains is about as fraudulent as this —
You will please understand that I give these facts only as I have heard them and I prefer no charges but I believe them to be true and notify You that you may take such action as you deem best.

If I can be of any service in the premises please let me know, for having myself lost an ann- uity the service I have too much regard for some fine pensioners, to see such apparent swindlers go on with such nefarious practices unwhipped & justice
Yours Truly
S. H. Seward
Conn- Dugger Experience Station Hartford Conn Agency-

OFFICE OF S. H. Seward,
Attorney at Law,
Stafford Springs, Conn., Mar 28 th 1872
D. C. Rootman Esq
Dear Sir
Further enquiry elicits the following facts regarding Gardner Davis and his Pension. Experience Dyer is one of the names of this accommodating woman. Brown is another and she has I believe three more. She could not legally have been married to Dyer for her husband was living then and for aught that is known is yet. This Gardner Davis's father seems to have named her some (Old "Stick Stock" Davis as he was called) and the son seems to be paying off his father's indebtedness in this interesting way. A sister of Experience or Widow Biles is said to be drawing pension in the same way and with no more justice. This Gardner Davis himself has a hard name for a justice. These parties all live 6 or 7 miles from here near the Mass line and I only know the facts narrated by enquiry of those who claim to be conversant with affairs of these parties. I think

however the legal proof would not be difficult to obtain
Yours Truly
S. H. Seward
Referee Experience Admiral Pensions as widow on Hartford Conn Roll.
ack July 29 th 1848

LEWIS A. TIFFT, Insurance and U. S. Claim Agent.
265 1-2 MAIN STREET, over  OPPOSITE CHICOPEE BANK.
Springfield, Mass. June 23. 1868
Hon Jos A Baret Comm of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir: I enclose herewith claim of Experience Duffer widow of a Revolutionary Soldier, for increase of Pension under the Act of July 15. 1867. Her old certificate was forwarded with a letter by G.B. Davis, Apl 27. 68. to which yours of May 28 th enclosed is a reply.
Respectfully
Your obedt. Servt.
L. A. Tifft

Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE,
May 28 th , 186 8.
Sir:
Return your letter to this office giving data as herein required.
In any communication addressed to this office relative to any claim, please state the name of the applicant, his (or her) residence at the time of filing application, the name of the soldier on account of whose services the pension was claimed, and the company and regiment to which he belonged . Also give the number of the claim; state whether it was granted or rejected, or is still pending; and if granted, give the number of the pension certificate and the agency at which it is payable .
Respectfully,
Joseph H. Barnett
Commissioner.

Payment to be made at Hartford Connecticut by Horace Gordin
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Hartford Conn.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 73 Vol. 1 Book D
J. P. Chase (Clerk)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February  July 29 th 1848, Experience Pursey widow of Joseph Pursey who was a Private Sergeant in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty nine dollars and Sixteen cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 11 th day of Sept r one thousand eight hundred and Forty nine.
J. M. [unclear]
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

H. R. 76. 22. 1847.
Hon. J. L. Edward Hon. P. P. ...
Sir
I have the honor to be by request, to state the claim of Experience Murphy, widow of Joseph Murphy of County in answer to your much obliged
Your Obed. Servt.
J. R. W. ...

Expen. Dmly Experience Dmly
bon Aug. July 1838
A. A. Pugh

Washington D.C. 26 th July 1848.
Mr J. L. Edmund Sir
I herewith enclose you the affidavit of Esperance Murphy, Wid. of Joseph relinquishing her claims under the acts of 7 th July 1838. & 2 March 1843. & 17 th June 1844. and asking for a pension under the act of 29 th July 1848. Her application & papers are on file in the Pension office.
Respectfully &c J. H. Pugh

Scotland Conn March 9 1846
Mr Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions
Sir
Herewith I send you on the application for a pension of Esperanza Dufey a copy of Record from the Secy of State showing the amt of Secular and other pension of her husband Joseph Dufey as Sergeant and private also the deposition of Dan Davis & Dick Oakley to prove the marriage
Very Respectfully Your Hon'd Servt Elisha Stevens

Tolland, Conn., Oct 12 1846
L. Edwards Esq. Commisr.
I send herewith the application of Epenian Dursey for a pension and hope that the documents in the pension office will show more particularly the service rendered by her husband Joseph Dursey. The recent discovery of the evidence among the papers left by Joseph Dursey or Joseph Dursey Junr as he is sometimes called is the reason why the application has not been sooner made.
Very Respectfully Your obed Serv Elisha Stearns

Dec 14 '16,
Mr
Experience Murphy
TO
J. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Tolland Conn, Dec 10 1844
Mr Edward Ely
I enclose the deposition of Roxana Dawes to prove the time of the marriage of Joseph & Experience Dawes on the application of the latter for a pension As the official character of the pension has been regularly authen- ticated on this application I suppose it is not required to do it again
Very Respectfully Yours Respectfully Ebenezer Stearns

Wolland County ss
Stafford September 25, 1846
Personally appeared before me Roxanna Davis of Stafford in the County of Wolland and State of Connecticut and upon her oath avers that she was knowing to the death of Joseph Dury of Ellington in said Wolland County formerly Joseph Dury Jr and that he died more than thirty years since sworn and subscribed to before me this 25th day of September 1846 Roxanna Davis
and I certify that the said
Roxanna Davis is a credible witness
Anson Spelman Justice of the Peace

Wolland County ss Stafford October 3 d 1846 Personally appeared Daniel Davis of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut and under oath swears That he has examined the record of Marriages in the Clerks Office of Milbraham in the County of Hampden and State of Massachus- etts and could not find Joseph Dursys name on record nor could find any among Elders Clerks papers nor Joseph Dursy As Except what is annexed to this Disposition he also swears that he was well acquainted with Joseph Dursy and Experience Dursy and knew their children well and could not dispute nor doubt their Marriage any more than if he saw them Married
The deponent further swears that he was knowing to the death of the said Joseph Dursy of Ellington in said Tolland County and State of Connecticut and that he died about thirty years ago
Daniel Davis
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3 d day of October 1846 and I hereby certify that the said Daniel Davis possesses a good moral character and is a credible witness
Anson Spelman Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford 8 October 1846
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Col: Obadiah Johnson, and Col: John Ely in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the books remaining in this Office relating to that war, and find as follows,
In the accounts of the late "Pay Table Office", this entry— "1779 April 9 United States T o To Order on Treasurer for Col: Obadiah Johnson for his Reg t Militia at R. Island Line: Beverly D r 24.2.6 Commissions 33.19.0 3 ,"
And in the same accounts, the following entry— "1778 Feb 25 United States T o To Order on Treasurer for Col: John Ely, Pay Roll for Watermen Rhode Island Expedition, D r 59.2.11 3 ," Moses Black Comptroller

439 Experience Church
Mother of Joseph
admitted
P. & Dept.
P. 8 m p 26 66
Sept 21/50 12 50
$ 39.16 100
under at 29 July
1848,
commencing 4 March 1848,
A. A. Pugh P. & T.

State of Connecticut County of Tolland
S.S. County Clerks Office
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Tolland hereby certify that John Brull Esq of Stafford in said County is a Justice of Peace within so County of Tolland - having been duly appointed by the Legislature of this State at their session in May 1848 and Commissioned by the Governor of this State, sworn and acting in said Capacity - That his name is enrolled in the Commission of Justices of the Peace for so Tolland County which Commission is now lodged in this Office bearing date the 20 th day of June 1848 and will continue until the 20 th day of June 1849
I further certify that Anson Spelman Esq also Stafford in the month of May 1846 was duly appointed a Justice of Peace for so County for the then current year by the Legislature of this State then in session, Commissioned by the Governor sworn and acting in said Capacity - That his name now is enrolled in the Commission of Justices of Peace for so County now in this office which Commission bears date the 19 day of June 1846 and continues until the 20 th day of June 1847
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & office and affixed the seal of so County at Tolland this 18 th day of June 1849
Jeremiah Parish Clerk of County Court for Tolland County
Fees 50 cents -

State of Connecticut County of Holland ss Stafford June 14 th 1847
On this 14 day of June 1847 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Experience Garfy, and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Joseph Garfy, who was a soldier in the war of the revolution that her application for a pension is on file in the pension office that she desires to relinquish her claim under the act of the 7 of July 1838 and 16th March 1843 and 17 June 1844 and to renew her application under the act of the 27 July 1848
John Arnett Daniel Davis
her Experience X Garfy mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned
John Arnett Justice of the peace

BRW. 20450. LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS
For the guidance of the Special Agent in the investigation of the case of Experience Dursey , widow of Joseph, (Revolutionary War.) Certificate No. 1839 , Residence, Stafford , County of Tolland , State of Connecticut , in which charges have been made that she has remarried.
by Special report, by F. E. Foster, of this office.
Obtain evidence to show whether the claimant was lawfully married to Brown - whether he was free to marry - i.e. whether he had another wife living, from whom he was not divorced. Also whether claimant was free, at the time of her marriage with Brown, to contract marriage - i.e. whether she had not been previously married to "Osborn", "Mumford" or some other man, who was living, and from whom she was not divorced, at the time of her marriage with Brown.
Ascertain the date of claimant's birth, and her age when married to the soldier, if she or any other witness remember the date; If she was born in October 1782, as alleged by Goodwill, she could have been only ten years old when she was married to the soldier; as it appears from what purports to be the Clergyman's Certificate, in the case, that she was married to Dursey November 29 th 1792.
It may be, that she was never lawfully married to the
When the questions involved are a matter of record, you will procure transcripts thereof; if not, the sworn testimony of persons in a position to know the facts, stating their means of information, will be submitted. Your examination must be exhaustive, and your report in detail. Facts rather than the deduction of the agent are required, though his opinion is requested and will be respectfully considered in connection with the evidence. You are instructed to indorse hereon the date of the receipt of these papers by you, the day you entered upon its investigation, and the day the same was completed.
Very respectfully,
Special Service Division, }
PENSION OFFICE, }
, 187 }
Commissioner.
Special Agent,

soldier, as it is intimated by Mr. Goodwill; and it may be necessary to make investigation on that point.
The agent will be governed, on that question, by the information obtained in the course of the investigation.
It will be well to stop, on the way to Connecticut, and see Mr. Justin Goodwill, at Camden, New Jersey, if he can be found, and take his affidavit.
LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS.
Case of Experience Durgin .
Cat. No. 1839.
War of Revolution.
Received
, 1st
Entered upon its investigation
, 1st
Completed
, 1st
Special Agent.
Mr. Zeba Ellis, of Stafford, Conn., can probably furnish some information in regard to the case.
It may be necessary to visit Monson, Mass., to obtain proof of claimant's marriage with Brown - but she will probably admit the marriage, and endeavor to show that it was unlawful, null & void, ab initio; on the ground that Brown had a wife living at the time. and also, to ascertain in what relation the Claimant lived with Gardner S. Davis.
See Secs. 1-2-6-8-9-11-12-14-18-44 & 46, of General Instructions.
Obtain testimony showing whether the claimant was free to contract marriage at the time of her marriage with the soldier.
It is alleged that she was married to Osborn before her marriage with the soldier - and it does not appear that Osborn was dead, or that she was free from that marriage, when she married the soldier. But she could hardly have had another husband prior to her marriage with the soldier, if she was married to him in the year 1792.

S. S. D.
No. 1839
REPORT IN CASE.
Name: Experience Durfee, Deed. P. O. Address: Stafford County: Tolland State: Conn Recommendation: none,
T. L. Fraciter
Special Agent.
REFERENCE.
, 187 .
Chief of S. S. Division,
RECOMMENDATION.
Chief of
Div.
ACTION.
Ad. files. Feb 5. 77
Chief of S. S. Division,
Investigation: Fair. Approved:
, 187 .
Commissioner,

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS.
Case of Experience Duryee No. 328
Received Jan 19 th , 1877,
Entered upon its investigation Jan 21 , 1877,
Completed Jan 26 th , 1877.
T. L. Fracker, Special Agent.

29 LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS
For the guidance of the Special Agent in the investigation of the case of
No. 328 Experience Durfey - widow of Joseph Residence. South Wilbraham County of Hampden State of Mass in which charges have been made that the marriage to the soldier was illegal she having a husband then living by Justin Goodwill of Camden N.J.
The Agent will obtain ample testimony showing when and where the pensioner was married to Osborne and how long she lived with him - When did he desert her? what became of him and was he living and not divorced from her at the time of her marriage to Durfey - When was she married to Durfey, if at all - When did Osborne die - In short obtain her history from childhood.
The Agent will also determine the reliability of the testimony now on file by personal interview with the accessible witnesses, cross-examination as to their means of knowledge; and ascertain their character for veracity and their standing in the community.
When the questions involved are a matter of record, you will procure transcripts thereof; if not, the sworn testimony of persons in a position to know the facts, stating their means of information, will be submitted. Your examination must be exhaustive, and your report in detail. Facts rather than the deduction of the Agent are required, though his opinion is requested and will be respectfully considered in connection with the evidence. You are instructed to indorse hereon the date of the receipt of these papers by you, the day you entered upon its investigation, and the day the same was completed.
Very respectfully,
Special Service Division,
PENSION OFFICE
May 18 th , 1877.
J. A. Bentley Commissioner. Ed. Hove
F. L. Fraker Special Agent, Present

No 328. 1839
Experience Dursey, Widow of Joseph (Suspended Aug 20. 1872) on the charge "that the marriage to Soldier was illegal, she having a husband then living".
I commenced my inquiry, as to the fact of claimants marriage to one Osborn, prior to her marriage to Dursey and examined the records of Milbraham Mass in which town it was alleged that the marriage took place but they failed to furnish any evidence of her marriage to Osborn, and nothing could be learned from the oldest inhabitants.
While examining the records of Milbraham, I found therein, an entry of "Intention of marriage by Joseph Dursey of Ellington Conn, to Experience Goodwell", but no record of the marriage.
A certificate is on file, signed by one Eli Clark a Baptist Minister, certifying that he married Joseph Dursey of Ellington Conn to Experience Goodwell of Milbraham Mass Nov 9. 1872.
Claimant after the death of Dursey, having it is alleged married one Mumford, who dying, she married one Brown, claimant admits this last marriage, but alleges that it was void, on the ground that Browns wife was living at the date of their marriage.
I examined the records of Hamden Co from its or- ganization, and no proceedings were had by claimant to obtain a divorce.

I next went to Monroeville, for further evidence, and there learned of the death of claimant, and procured from the town clerk of Stafford Conn a certificate showing the date and cause of her death, and is attached hereto.
Very respectfully T. L. Fracker Special Agent

S. S. D.
REPORT IN CASE
No. 1239 Name, Experience Durfey Residence, Stafford Tolland Co. Conn. Recommendation, none
M.E. Jenks Special Agent.
Investigation: Thorough.
Fair.
Insufficient.
Recommendation: Approved.
Disapproved.
Money Recovered: $ 1/2/74
ACTION:
Write to Town Clerk in Mass. for record evi- dence of re-marriage to Brown
Garston Chief of S. S. Dir.

Write to Town Clerk for record of re-marriage 1/2/94
1/2/94

EXHIBIT
CASE OF
No.
On this 26 th day of December, 1873, at City of Camden, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, before me M c E. Gaskins a Special Agent of the Pension Office, personally appeared Justin Goodwill, who being by me duly sworn according to law, declares that his age is 77 years, that he resides at 330 Middle St City of Camden, State of New Jersey, and that
he has known Experience Gaskins Cert No 1839 since his birth. To the best of my knowledge At to I am not positive Joseph Osborn and Experience Goodwill were married about the year 1801. I cannot say that of my own knowledge that Joseph Osborn & Experience Goodwill were ever married I was led to believe they were married for the reason that about two years after the alleged marriage took place Experience Osborn (nee Goodwill) father John Goodwill brought suit against Joseph Osborn for the maintenance of a child that was born of Elizabeth Goodwill his wife I can't remember either the child was born before or after the alleged marriage in 1801, I never knew them to live together, after marriage, when John Goodwill the father of Experience brought suit against Joseph Osborn for the maintenance of the child spoken of, he Osborn cleared out quick and they never lived together after Osborn never came back, he deserted her entirely. I never heard of any divorce. Some time between 1808 & 1816 after Joseph Osborn left his wife Experience, she was reported to be married to Joseph Gaskins I know nothing about said marriage only report. In the year 1823 Experience Goodwill (nee Osborn nee Gaskins) was living with a man by the name of - M c Mur- ford as his wife, Gaskins was dead I think at that time. About May or 1832 I saw Experience Gaskins married to a man by the name of Joseph Brown by Esq Jerry a justice of the peace in Massachusetts. and further declares that he has no interest, direct or indirect, in the claim for a Pension; and further saith not in 1868, Experience Goodwill was born in South Mills May 15 th 1796, I now reside in Camden N.J. And have since the year 1871
Justin Goodwill.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 th day of Dec
1873.
M c E. Gaskins Special Agent.

Report in Case of E. Lawrence Duffy

Phila December 30th 1873 Dear S r H Baker Commr of Pensions Sir
I herewith return the papers in the case of Experience Dufey No 1839. Together with the Affidavit of Justice Goodwill of Camden New Jersey. I had a long conversation with Mr Goodwill, he is of the opinion the pension was never of much bene- fit to Experience Dufey but that Gardner Davis and Presson Davis sons of Daniel Davis, are? who reside at West Stafford Conn get most of the money. Mr Goodwill thinks they were the parties who were instrumental in getting the Pension, and know all about it
Very Respectfully Mr E Dukes Spcl Agent

State of Massachusetts
County of Hampden
vs. Joseph T. Brown
Personally appeared Irena Bliss and Sarah T. Grindle, residents of Monson, in the county of Hampden, State of Massachusetts to me known to be credible persons who being duly sworn say that they were personally acquainted with Joseph T. Brown of Monson to whom Experience Durfee was married in the year A.D. 1832, and at that time to their personal knowledge, the said Brown had a wife living to whom he was legally married, and from whom he had never been divorced. — We have no interest in Mrs. Durfee's claim for pension.
Irena Bliss
Sarah T. Grindle
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of September 1873 — I have no interest in any claim of Mrs. Durfee.
Edward D. Russell
Justice of the Peace

Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of September 1873 — I have no interest in the matter.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPDEN, SS.
I, ROBERT O. MORRIS, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a Court of Record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, and of said County of Hampden, do hereby certify that Joseph Tracy Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate or proof of acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and therein written, was, at the time of the taking such proof or acknowledgment, a
Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Hampden, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate of proof and acknowledgment is genuine; and I certify that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court,
at Springfield,
this eighteenth
day of October
A. D. 1873
Robert O. Morris
CLERK.

Woonsocket, May 21. 1880. Joseph H. Barrett. Comr. of Pensions.
Dear Sir:
I herewith enclose the Widow Burfey's Pension Certificate, & request a new one for Her, granting Increase of Pension under Act of Feb. 18 th 1877 = Mrs. Burfey is so superannuated that She cannot recollect dates, or even Her own age, correctly, - as nearly as I can ascertain She is upwards of 97, & perhaps nearer a hundred = The parties who assisted Her in making application for the enclosed Cert. also the witnesses of Her marriage, are now dead, making it necessary to refer you to evidence on file at the Pension Office, with original Claim, in order to substantiate the facts in this case -
Her Identity & Widowhood are shown twice a year on the 'Voucher', & you must have all the proof you require on file -
Please forward Her a new Cert. as soon as convenient, & notify me at the same time, Her P. O. address is Staffordville. Conn. care of G. S. Davis. Trusting this will be satisfactory.
I am
Respectfully Yours
Gardner S. Davis.
P.S.
Make Her Pension payable at Hartford, Conn. as before.

Tolland County ss
Stafford September 25, 1846
Personally appeared Elisha Story of Stafford County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged sixty-five years and on his Oath swears he was present at the Marriage of Joseph Dampsey Jr of Ellington County of Tolland and State of Connecticut and Experience Goodwell of Wilbraham County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts that they were Married at Wilbraham aforesaid in the fall of the year 1792 by Elder Eli Clark a Baptist Minister regularly settled and Ordained and who had authority to Marry subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of September 1846 Elisha his X Story mark and I certify that the said Elisha Story is a credible witness
Anson Spelman Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut ss Tolland County October 12 th 1846
I hereby certify that the above named Anson Spelman whose name appears upon this deposition, and the within deposition hereto annexed, is a justice of the peace for Tolland County, and I believe his several signatures are his proper handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and my Notarial Seal
T. A. Storrs Public Notary

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut, in America, held at Hartford, by adjournment, on the 21 st day of October, Anno Domini 1778.
Upon the memorial of Col. Obadiah Johnson, of Canterbury, and Maj r Hezekiah Huntington, of Windham, showing to this Assembly that they were ordered as field officers of a Regiment to the State of Rhode Island, about the first day of January last past, and had under their command upwards of three hundred and eighty men; — that said Regiment arrived at Providence about the fifteenth day of said January, and there continued in service in said State, until the 16 th day of March last past, at which time they were discharged by the Commanders-in-Chiefs, in said State, and that during their service in said State as aforesaid, the Commissary of Issues was not supplied with sauce and other small articles which are allowed upon the establishment of rations, by means whereof said Regiment were obliged to expend considerable sums of their own money to purchase many articles for their subsistence and health, — and praying for relief, as per memorial on file: — Whereupon, —

Resolved by this Assembly, That the sum of forty shillings, L. money per month, as a bounty, be granted to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in said Regiment, in addition to their monthly wages, after their arrival at the place of their destination and until they were discharged from the service: and the Committee of Pay-Table are directed to settle the pay abstracts, and draw on the Treasurer accordingly.

State of Connecticut, } Office of Secretary of State. }
I hereby certify, That the foregoing is a true copy of record in this Office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 29 th day of October, A. D. 1846, & in the 71 st year of the Independence of the United States of America.
Charles W m Bradley, Secretary of State.

Two files
S. S. D.
REPORT IN CASE
No. 328
Name Experience Durfer
Residence, Stafford Conn.
Recommendation, Further investigation in Mass. and Conn.
J. D. Yeager
Special Agent.
Money Recovered: May 6 78/8-
ACTION:
Send to Dr. McIntire by when he reaches Morrow which will be soon.
Lanston
Chief of S. S. Div.
Investigation: Thorough. Fair. Insufficient.
Recommendation: Approved. Disapproved.

Washington D.C.
May 5 - 1875.
Hon. A. M. Atkinson
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
I have the honor to submit herewith my report of the result of my interview with Justin Goodwill of Camden, New Jersey, with reference to the pension claim of Experience Durfey, widow of Joseph - Clf. No. 328 - Pensioned for the services of her husband in the Revolutionary War.
As there has been considerable feeling manifested in the case, Mr. Goodwill having already given an affidavit, he preferred not to give another but that he would furnish me with any additional information in his power. He has a very vivid recollection of the history of the Goodwill family, of which Experience is a member, and was aided in his recol-

lections by full memoranda and notes taken by him at different times and carefully preserved - which he exhibited to me and explained.
Notably among these memoranda is one containing the names of the Goodwill family, and their dates of birth, which he copied from the Family Bible many years ago. His Grandfather had a family of sixteen children, the oldest born in 1754 and Experience being one of the children was born November 5, 1782. By his copy of record she appeared as the next to the youngest. He remembers distinctly that she was married to Osborne about 1801 as he was frequently told by his father and other members of the family, and he also remembers the fact that they lived together as man & wife. A few years after such marriage Osborne left her and went away. The said marriage took place in South Wilbraham, Mass. where all the parties then resided, and where full information

can probably be obtained. Osborne had a brother living in Chenango Co. New York and one at South Wilbraham - and Mr. Justin Goodwill was requested by the brother in Mass. to write to his brother in N.Y., and stated to him then that the husband of Experience was then living with his brother in New York (Chenango Co) and that he had been back to South Wilbraham frequently since his desertion of Experience, and after her marriage (if any ever occurred) with Durfey. Mr. Goodwill does not remember whether a regular ceremony was performed between Experience & Durfey, but is satisfied that it can be shown that Osborne was living during her cohabitation with Durfey. After Durfey's death she married one Mumford, and Mr. Goodwill exhibited to me a certificate of marriage between Experience Mumford and Joseph T. Brown, in the handwriting of Oliver McKinsty (father of Dr. J. A. McKinsty - now an Agent of this Office)

Subscribed by him as Town Clerk of Mon- son, Mass.
Mr. Goodwill has not been back to South Wilbraham for many years and could not give the names of any persons still living there who would know the fact of her marriage to Osborne, but ex- pressed a firm belief that all the facts enumerated could be fully ascertained there.
He was an eye-witness of her marriage to Brown, and did not then know nor does he now, whether Brown had a wife living then or not.
Mr. Goodwill's conversation and his history of every member of the family, convinced me that what he has testified to is perfectly true & reliable, and that his statements are made from a vivid recollection —
Your Agent would respectfully recommend a continuance of the investigation at South Wilbraham, Mass - Stafford Com. and

Monson, Mass. - and that the full history of the pensioner at all these places be fully brought out by ample testimony, and especially the marriage of pensioner with Osborne, prior to her marriage to Dunfee. It will be noticed that the original evidence filed, gives the date of her marriage to the soldier in 1792, while she could have been then only 10 years old, and this evidence Mr. Goodwill promptly denounced as false - for the reasons stated, and as could be abundantly shown in the places above mentioned by proof -
In my opinion the basis thus obtained will aid the Office very materially in the further investigation of the case in Conn. and Mass -
Very respectfully,
F. D. Yeager
Special Agent

No 1234
B
UNITED STATES SANITARY COMMISSION
CLAIM AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Widow's Pension Claim,
ON ACCOUNT OF HER HUSBAND,
Late a _____ Co. _____
_____ Reg't _____ Vols
Deceased _____ 186
Filed in the Pension Office,
_____ 186
FORWARDED BY
L A Tiffey
Sub-Clstr Agent U. S. Sanitary Commission.
at Springfield Ill
on _____ 186
DARIUS FORBES, Attorney. WASHINGTON, D. C.

B. Declaration for Widow's Army Pension.
at Febry 18. 1867.
State of Connecticut County of Tolland
On this 19 th day of June A. D. 186 8 , personally appeared before me, Judge of the Probate Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, Experience Durfy a resident of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged 99 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, approved Febry 18. 1867 , granting Pensions: That she is the widow of Joseph Durfy who was a Private  Sergeant in Company 4 th commanded by Col. Adah Johnson mustered into the service of the United States from the State of Conn t and served in R. Island in 1778 and also served in Revolutionary war, at 1861 and who died (or was killed) at Ellington. Conn n
on the 29 th day of August 18 13 , as this deponent verily believes. She further declares that she was lawfully married to the said Joseph Durfy at Ellington in the State of Connecticut by Eli Clark  Clergyman on the 29 th day of Nov. 17 92 ; that her husband, the aforesaid Joseph Durfy died on the day above mentioned, as she verily believes, and she remained his faithful wife until his decease. She further declares that she has remained his widow ever since the death of her said husband, Joseph Durfy , as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
She further declares that she had, by said deceased husband, Three children now living  dead , under the age of sixteen years, named, aged, and residing as follows: and that she was married to the said Joseph Durfy on the day aforesaid - For information and proof not furnished herewith see evidence on file with her original claim settled by Pension Certificate 40328 dated Sept 11. 1849.
and that she has not, in any manner, been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States, and that her maiden name was Experience Goodwell .
Lewis A. Tift of Springfield Mass my Atty to receive my Certificate and I hereby appoint Darius Forbes General Claim Agent of the United States Sanitary Commission, or his successor in office, of Washington, D. C., my lawful attorney to procure for me the Pension mentioned in the above application, and to receive and receipt for my Certificate which may issue in my favor in connection with the same, hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said attorney may do in the premises. Her post office address is Staffordville Conn n care Experience Durfy
Witnesses to my mark J. S. Davis of J. S. Davis J. P. Davis
Also personally appeared Joseph T. Davis and Joseph P. Davis residents of Stafford County of Tolland and State of Connecticut persons
whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Experience Durfy sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have known the parties above described to have lived together as husband and wife for thirty years, previous to and up to the time of deceased going into the aforesaid service of the United States, and they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that she has no interest in the prosecution of this claim. And that she is now unmarried and has no children of her own.
Witness, Joseph P. Davis Witness.
Sworn to and subscribed, by both applicant and witnesses, before me, this 19 th day of June A. D. 186 8 ; and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Darius Forbes  Lewis A. Tift
(Signature of Judge or other Officer.)
as private in Capt. Elihu L. Jones Co in a Conn Regt commanded by Col. Tift in 1778